A Rose and Rebellion
“In her world, Clara is royalty. She is expected to follow the societal path laid out for young women of their class, which includes taking an interest in social events, showing elegance, fitting into the more demure, submissive role in society, and eventually making a good match through marriage. But Clara is completely indifferent to these expectations.”
As I start to reflect on Robert Berran’s Lady Scoundrel, the title of the painting itself is entrancing and intriguing. Upon first seeing the title, I had a different impression. “Scoundrel” typically describes a rogue or someone who does mischievous things. However, in the context of this painting, I believe it touches upon themes like rebellion, challenging traditional norms, and freedom, much like in Nafisi’s Reading Lolita in Tehran.
The juxtaposition of the actual scene in the painting and the title “Scoundrel” creates tension and makes it quite interesting. The crescent moon, the tranquil night, and the intimacy between the lovers all contribute to telling a story in which love is more than just a form of expression; it’s a challenge to the boundaries imposed by society.
In her world, Clara is royalty. She is expected to follow the societal path laid out for young women of their class, which includes taking an interest in social events, showing elegance, fitting into the more demure, submissive role in society, and eventually making a good match through marriage. But Clara is completely indifferent to these expectations. She was always fascinated and concerned with intellectual pursuits, seeking freedom and a life beyond the social constraints of the patriarchal world. She made poetry out of things most people cast aside, giving her a poetic aura. She finds the entire process of “husband hunting” shallow and oppressive. However, unexpectedly, she falls in love with a man who hails from a lower social class. Hence, she believes that all’s fair in love, reminiscent of poetry.
“Lady Scoundrel” (1923) by Robert Lee Berran
Each evening, as the sun melted into the cool night, Clara would wait for her beloved on her favorite place in the world - her balcony, feeling the cool breeze on her skin. She wore a silky, luscious, lilac robe that fit her like skin. She leaned over the balcony and beamed her love into a rose, knowing the risks of this gesture. Theo, standing tall and proud, reached out to accept her offering. His face lit up like the moon in her presence. Blood rushed into his cheeks with the touch of the fragile rose, making them so scarlet, maroon.
The powerful move of Clara presenting a single rose to the love of her life, rather than the other way around, is a depiction of her identity. It’s not just a symbol of affection but also a statement that she stays true to herself and embraces her identity despite societal norms and pressures. Here, the purpose of the rose is not just a token of love but also an indication of rebellion. This was a small act of rebellion, like the women in Nafisi’s study group who read forbidden literature in a repressive society.
Clara’s defiance didn’t stop at the secret rendezvous. Her secret love affair with Theo became the spark for change as she grew weary of her “illicit” relationship. In a world that mirrored the oppression in Nafisi’s story, where women were expected to conform and be silent, she constantly pondered and questioned: how long do we have to hide our identity? When do we, as women, get the opportunity to walk the streets freely, enjoy the company of the opposite sex, and live under laws that are progressive regarding women? Enough oppression; we deserve freedom too. She decided to marry Theo despite the laws, which caused waves in the strict hierarchy of her society. She was now Lady Scoundrel, the woman who defied tradition and stood for her truth. Her courage became a turning point for future generations.
The fact that she is called Lady Scoundrel is a testament to how the society was in her world, like Iran in Nafisi’s story. Much like the women in Iran who had to hide their true selves behind layers of a black scarf, Clara’s choice to love openly and embrace her choices made her a Scoundrel in the eyes of the world. Yet is she the scoundrel here? Or is it the society that confined her by taking away her freedom and limiting her ability to choose?
In many ways, her defiance makes me introspect the struggle with my identity and true values. I ask myself how much of my life is driven by what others expect of me. Society can be suffocating sometimes, constantly reminding us of the roles we are supposed to play. Clara’s story encourages me to be bold and brave in the decisions and choices I make and believe in, and that may not always be easy. It is through self-confidence and speaking up that we can live, not merely exist, in a safe space in which we have the freedom to express ourselves. Sometimes, the greatest act of rebellion is simply being myself.